Did you know there has been a hidden epidemic sweeping the world? A new study finds nearly a billion people are dealing with a painful and socially traumatizing infection that has no cure.
More than one in five people between the ages of 15 and 49 are living with genital herpes — a staggering statistic that reveals a global health challenge largely shrouded in silence and stigma. The shocking findings, revealed by the World Health Organization (WHO), expose the widespread nature of this common sexually transmitted infection, with researchers calling for urgent action.
The numbers are eye-opening: approximately 846 million people worldwide carry genital herpes, with a new infection happening every single second — translating to 42 million new cases annually. Despite its prevalence, most people experience few or no symptoms, making the virus a “silent” health issue that often goes undetected and unaddressed.
“Stigma around genital herpes means it has been discussed too little, despite affecting millions of people globally,” says Dr. Sami Gottlieb, a medical officer at WHO, in a media release. “Not enough has been done to address this common infection.”
The study, published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections, reveals two distinct herpes virus types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. While HSV-2 is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and accounts for 90% of symptomatic episodes, HSV-1 traditionally spreads through oral contact, causing cold sores. However, changing social patterns are shifting transmission dynamics, with more adults acquiring genital infections as childhood oral infections decline.
For some individuals, the virus isn’t just a statistic — it can cause painful genital sores and recurring health challenges. In 2020, over 200 million people experienced at least one symptomatic episode, highlighting the real human impact behind these numbers.
Perhaps most alarmingly, genital herpes significantly increases HIV transmission risk, creating a complex public health challenge. The infection also poses rare but serious risks, such as neonatal herpes, which can occur when a mother contracts the virus during late pregnancy.
The economic burden is substantial, with an estimated $35 billion spent annually worldwide on healthcare and lost productivity. Despite these impacts, there’s currently no cure — only treatments to manage symptoms.
WHO researchers emphasize the urgent need for new prevention strategies. While condoms can reduce transmission risks and avoiding sexual contact during active outbreaks is recommended, the organization is pushing for more comprehensive solutions like vaccines and targeted therapies.
“Better prevention and treatment options are urgently needed to reduce herpes transmission and will also contribute to reducing the transmission of HIV,” Dr. Meg Doherty from WHO concludes.
